Risk Factors for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop
non-Hodgkin lymphoma
with or without the risk factors listed below, but it is still important to be aware of risk factors. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Certain risk factors can not be changed. For example, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in people over 60 years old. It is also more common in men.

Other factors that may increase the chance of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:

Suppressed Immune System

Cancer cells of non-Hodgkin lymphoma develop from cells of the immune system. As a result, challenges or weakness of the immune system may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Examples include:

Medications that suppress the immune system such as those used to prevent organ transplant rejection

Occupational or Environmental Exposures

Exposures to certain chemicals or radiation may increase the risk of lymphoma.
People who work around pesticides, fertilizers, and certain chemical solvents have a greater chance of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma than people who do not.

People who have survived nuclear accidents or explosions are also at an increased risk. Fallout from nuclear radiation stays in the environment for years. However, radiation exposure from medical and dental x-rays
is not associated with an increased risk.

Family History

People who have a parent with non-Hodgkins lymphoma may have an increased risk of developing it. This is especially true if the family member had lymphoma at an early age.

Smoking

Smoking introduces a variety of harmful chemicals into the body that can affect the DNA of cells. The lymph also help carry the chemicals out of the body. The risk of lymphoma increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and years as a smoker.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.